Weekly GEOINT Community News

Rear Adm. Sharp Named Next NGA Director

The U.S. Defense Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence selected Navy Rear Adm. Robert Sharp as the next director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Sharp will assume command of the agency from current Director Robert Cardillo during a ceremony in February.

Maxar Reports Failure of Worldview-4 Satellite

Maxar Technologies reported Monday that its WorldView-4 satellite experienced a failure in its control moment gyros, preventing the satellite from collecting imagery due to the loss of an axis of stability. Efforts are ongoing in conjunction with suppliers in an attempt to restore satellite functionality, but thus far these efforts have been unsuccessful. At this time, Maxar believes WorldView-4 will likely not be recoverable and will no longer produce usable imagery. Maxar operations has put the WorldView-4 satellite in a safe configuration and will continue to monitor the satellite’s location and health.

Planet to Acquire Boundless

Planet recently entered an agreement to acquire Boundless. The acquisition will expand Planet’s business with the U.S. government and commercial agriculture clients. Boundless and Planet’s government team will combine to form a subsidiary called Planet Federal, which will focus on improving and expanding Planet’s products serving federal customers.

Perspecta Wins CDC Contract

Perspecta was awarded a 5-year, $40 million prime contract by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support its Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program. Perspecta will use spatial data analysis and communication capabilities to analyze location and health information, helping CDC and other agencies respond to public health threats.

Fulcrum Awarded DIA Intelligence Contract

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency awarded Fulcrum IT Services a five-year, $128 million contract for intelligence in South Korea. Fulcrum will provide all-source analysis and operational support to the Joint Intelligence Operations Center Korea, U.S. Forces Korea, and other South Korean divisions.

MDA and Orbital Insight Expand SAR Partnership

Maxar’s MDA announced a new agreement to provide Orbital Insight with high-resolution imagery from its RADARSAT-2 synthetic aperture radar satellite. Orbital will use the imagery to create oil inventory information and other actionable intelligence for products serving the energy industry. 

Peer Intel

Last month, Woolpert announced a corporate restructure to reflect recent company growth and to better align project teams. As part of the restructure, Kirk McClurkin will assume the post of chief operating officer; Jon Downey was named chief innovation officer; Shane Imwalle will become the firm’s chief strategy officer; Jennifer Brinkman was promoted to chief marketing officer; and Shanda McKinney was elevated to chief human resources officer. Three sector leaders were named as well: Todd Duwel will manage the firm’s Buildings Sector; Tom Mochty will manage the Infrastructure Sector; and Joseph Seppi will manage the Geospatial Sector.

The MITRE Corporation appointed Wilson Wang vice president and chief financial officer. Wang will lead MITRE’s business management activities as well as the company’s transformation efforts.

Dewberry promoted Phil Thiel to executive vice president. A consulting industry executive with nearly 35 years of experience, Thiel will lead Dewberry’s federal market strategy and business development throughout the enterprise.

Photo Credit: MDA